A Blairgowrie film-maker has unveiled a new documentary about the conversion of a former church.

Patrick Rooney’s film ‘A Little Revival’ shows the transformation of the former Riverside Methodist Church in Rattray to Little’s restaurant over the course of 18 months.

The film-maker, who graduated from the SAE Institute in Glasgow, has spent the past few months filming the documentary in the eastern Perthshire restaurant.

Before setting up his own company ‘Dear Friend Films’, Patrick worked at Little’s when he was at school and as a student.

Previously Patrick filmed a number of short films with the restaurant’s owner Willie Little, including a promotional advert and a YouTube video called ‘Day in the life of Willie Little’, as well as designing the restaurant’s distinct fish logo.

However, when he heard Willie Little was taking on the renovation of the historic Methodist church, he was keen to create a documentary about it.

He said: “I am delighted to have finished this documentary which recently made its online debut.

“I have been on board with the church conversion project from the very beginning, filming every six to eight weeks when the work first started, so it means a lot to me to see it through to the end, and to capture on film the unique process.

“It has been a real labour of love for Willie and his team.”

Much of the work to renovate the church has been focused on keeping the impressive stained glass window.

The coloured glass commemorates the Labour Corps’ contribution to the war effort during World War I, many of which ended up based in Blairgowrie.

Riverside Methodist Church has now been transformed into a restaurant

Patrick continued: “It’s fitting that the amazing stained glass window, the only one in Britain dedicated to the role of the Labour Corps in the First World War, will now be looked after here in Little’s restaurant.

“Many more people are going to be able to see it here, as we don’t think it is hugely well known.”

He added: “I have always found Willie a great subject to film, he is a character, and for this project I have enjoyed working with him as ever.

“He now has a filmed legacy of his work and the church for future generations.”

The documentary features members of the front of house team, and interviews with them talking about the restaurant’s move from the Wellmeadow to the church.

It also features Willie preparing food scenes of the floorboards being raised, as well as documenting the new kitchen being fitted.

Willie said: “I am, as ever, indebted to Patrick who has gone above and beyond the call of duty making this piece of work for me, which sees all his shorter pieces of film on the church when it was just a shell, through to opening as a restaurant, come together to tell the whole story.

“It’s incredible to look back on the work that has been achieved to create what you see here today - a working restaurant providing customers with the most spectacular setting in which to enjoy a meal.

“I wish Patrick all the very best with the rest of his career, as he is very talented indeed.”

The next film Patrick will be making with Willie is about the old Little’s restaurant in the Wellmeadow being transformed into an American diner, due to open later this month.